No Trade-Off on Farmers, Fishermen or Faith in Trade Pacts, Says Goyal

India Won’t Compromise on Farmers, Fishermen or Faith in Trade Deals: Goyal.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said India will not make concessions on protecting farmers, fishermen, or faith-related issues while negotiating trade agreements. “Certain areas are non-negotiable. Our farmers, our fishermen, and our cultural sensitivities will never be compromised,” Goyal said at a business interaction, adding that India’s approach to free trade agreements is to balance growth opportunities with domestic priorities.

The minister underlined that while India seeks to expand exports, attract investment, and integrate with global supply chains, the government’s focus remains on ensuring trade deals do not undermine local livelihoods. Ongoing negotiations with the UK, EU and other partners, he noted, aim at “fair, equitable outcomes” that support both economic expansion and social stability.